Lenticels and Hydathodes are adaptations in plants that facilitate the exchange of gases and the removal of water.
What are Lenticels?
Lenticels are lens-shaped openings or large intercellular spaces in the periderm, bark of woody stems and roots of dicot plants. They facilitate the exchange of gases from the internal tissues to the outside environment. The shape of lenticels is a key feature in the identification of trees.
Lenticels are also seen in potato tubers and fruits, such as apples and pears.
What are Hydathodes?
Hydathodes are pores found on the margins of leaves in angiosperms. They exude excess water from the leaf margins through a process called guttation. Hydathodes are made up of living cells with numerous intercellular spaces that are filled with water. They have very few chloroplasts and are often modifications of the ending of vascular bundles.
They are commonly found in water lettuce, water hyacinth, rose and balsam.
Let us now differentiate between lenticels and hydathodes.
| Lenticels are intercellular spaces that facilitate the exchange of gases. | Hydathodes are pores that are filled water and help in the excess removal of water. |
| Gases and water vapour | Secrets water droplets |
| It is present in the bark and roots of dicots. | It is present on the leaf margins of angiosperms. |
| Pears, apples and potatoes. | Water hyacinth, water lettuce, balsam, etc. |
| It maintains the gaseous balance between the internal tissue and the external environment. | It maintains the xylem pressure of the plant. |
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Also Read:
- What is the difference between lenticels and stomata?
- Discover the Difference Between Transpiration And Guttation
- Who Discovered Guttation?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lenticels and stomata?
Stomata occur on the lower epidermis of leaves, whereas lenticels are found in the periderm of woody plants.
What is the difference between transpiration and guttation?
Transpiration is the loss of water through stomata, whereas guttation is the loss of water through hydathodes.
Why are lenticels called breathing pores?
Lenticels are called the breathing pores because they allow the exchange of gases through the tissues in the bark.
Is Lenticel an excretory organ?
Yes, both stomata and lenticels are considered excretory organs of plants.
From which tissues are lenticels formed?
Lenticel formation begins below the stomatal complex in the epidermis when the secondary growth begins at the periderm. It is made up of parenchymatous cells that rupture the epidermis and form lens-shaped openings.
Do all plants have lenticels?
No, lenticels are not found in all plants. They occur in most woody trees and also occur in certain fruits and tubers. Lenticels are usually present in periderm of tissues showing secondary growth, bark of woody stems and are also found in fruits such as apples, and pears.
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